Edo Carnival organisers pay winners after prize delay backlash
Add us on Google Weeks after controversy trailed the delayed disbursement of prizes, organisers of the Edo Carnival have paid winners of the maiden band competition. This was made known in a statement by the organisers of the Edo Carnival, made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. According to the Organisers, an event was held on 18 April in Benin City, during which beneficiaries received their prizes amid palpable relief, bringing closure to a dispute that had dominated social media conversations and raised questions about the credibility of the festival and its backers. The Edo Carnival, which debuted earlier this year, had drawn widespread attention for its colourful parades, elaborate costumes and energetic street performances, features reminiscent of established festivals such as the Calabar Carnival and Brazil’s Rio Carnival. Stay Ahead with Premium Times Follow us on Google News and never miss breaking stories, investigations, and in-depth reporting. Add as a preferred source on Google /* 1. Wrapper & Container / .gn-wrapper { width: 100%; padding: 20px 0; display: flex; justify-content: center; } .gn-card { width: 100%; max-width: 600px; background: #ffffff; padding: 28px; border-radius: 16px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); font-family: 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; } / 2. Header & Premium Times Logo / .gn-header { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; } .gn-logo { height: 36px; / Slightly larger to balance the new text sizes / width: auto; object-fit: contain; } .gn-title { font-size: 22px; margin: 0; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 800; } / 3. The Bold Description / .gn-description { font-size: 18px; / Larger size / font-weight: 600; / Bolder weight / color: #202124; / Darker for readability / margin: 0 0 24px 0; line-height: 1.5; } / 4. 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Those concerns, amplified online, triggered public criticism and, in some quarters, misplaced accusations directed at the Edo State Government. Speaking at the prize presentation, co-convener Daniel Eromosele moved to dispel what he described as “misleading narratives” about the event’s structure. He clarified that the Edo State Government was not the organiser of the carnival but a supporting partner, alongside private sponsors and other stakeholders. “It is important to correct the impression that the government organised the carnival and failed to pay participants. That is not the case,” he said, urging the public to exercise caution and responsibility in disseminating information. Mr Eromosele added that while financial incentives remain a key aspect of participation, the broader objective of the carnival is to showcase Edo’s rich cultural heritage, foster unity and create opportunities within the state’s growing creative economy. Cultural festivals, he noted, have increasingly become economic drivers in Nigeria, attracting tourism, stimulating local businesses and providing platforms for young creatives. READ ALSO: Edo Carnival 2025: Organisers announce month-long event line-up Resilience He also commended the planning committee, sponsors and participants for delivering what he described as a successful maiden edition, highlighting the organisers’ resilience in navigating logistical and financial challenges often associated with first-time large-scale events. For many of the winners, the ceremony represented more than the settlement of outstanding payments. It was, they said, a validation of their artistry and commitment to preserving Edo’s cultural identity through music, dance and performance. Organisers used the occasion to signal a forward-looking agenda, announcing plans for a more structured and expansive 2026 edition, with improved coordination, clearer funding frameworks and broader participation. The prompt resolution of the payment dispute, they argued, marks a turning point for the festival, helping to rebuild trust among stakeholders and reposition the Edo Carnival as a potential fixture on Nigeria’s cultural calendar. Share this: Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Stay Ahead with Premium Times Follow us on Google News and never miss breaking stories, investigations, and in-depth reporting. Add as a preferred source on Google / 1. 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